Rangers vs. Capitals (Game 63) - Open Thread

The New York Rangers (40-20-2) host the Washington Capitals (41-13-7) tonight at 7:00 p.m.

Lineup News

OFFICIAL: #NYR acquired defenseman Brendan Smith from DET in exchange for the NYR's own 3rd rd pick in 2017 and OTT's 2nd rd pick in 2018. pic.twitter.com/CG7lZQVjAw

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 28, 2017

Caps GM says Shattenkirk will arrive later today in New York and plans to be in the lineup tonight for Washington. #CapsNYR #RockTheRed

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 28, 2017

Kampfer being called up, per AV. Girardi ankle wound not healing. Will be out two weeks. Klein improving, should skate tomorrow

— Steve Zipay (@stevezipay) February 28, 2017

Memory Lane

Derek Stepan's celebration alone easily makes this one of my favorite all time Rangers goals...

Blue Jackets 5, Rangers 2

The New York Rangers (40-20-2) lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets (39-16-5)  by the score of 5-2. For a box score, click here.

3 Stars

1st Star - The 5pm Start (Thankfully we didn't have to stay up too late watching this one)
2nd Star - The Walking Dead (A new episode allowed me to immediately take my mind off this loss)
3rd Star - The Trade Deadline (I love this time of year in the NHL as GMs have already begun wheeling and dealing)

Post Game Cocktail Recommendation

With tonight being the Rangers 5th game in 8 days they looked both mentally and physically tired, so I decided to go with The Sleepwalker because that's pretty much what they did against Columbus.

Rangers vs. Blue Jackets (Game 62) - Open Thread

The New York Rangers (40-19-2) host the Columbus Blue Jackets (38-16-5) tonight at 5:00 p.m.

Lineup News

AV says one #NYR forward could be out with a lower body injury. If that player can't go, Puempel would play. Buchnevich is sick.

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 26, 2017

Memory Lane

Rick Nash, as a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets, making Henrik Lundqvist look foolish...

Rangers 4, Devils 3, OT

The New York Rangers (40-19-2) defeated the New Jersey Devils (25-25-11)  by the score of 4-3 in overtime. For a box score, click here.

3 Stars

1st Star - Redemption (Raanta makes up for two softies with huge OT save & Zibanejad scores game winner mere seconds after being bailed out by said Raanta OT save)
2nd Star - Kevin Klein's back spasms (Without them, Clendo is not in the lineup)
3rd Star - Tanner Glass (For being so bad AV had no choice but to send him to Hartford paving the way for a quality 4th line)

Post Game Cocktail Recommendation

Let's raise our glasses to the Rangers Swedish Connection (Lindberg & Fast) with a Swedish Polar Bear.

Rangers @ Devils (Game 61) - Open Thread

The New York Rangers (39-19-2) visit the New Jersey Devils (25-25-10) tonight at 5:00 p.m.

Lineup News

AV says @ARaanta31 will start for #NYR tomorrow against NJ. @HLundqvist30 Sunday vs. Columbus.

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 24, 2017

AV says Klein is dealing with back spasms and isn't expected to play in either game this weekend. Girardi will play. #NYR

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 24, 2017

Memory Lane

Some Rangers fans forget that Stéphane Matteau had another double overtime game winner vs. the Devils in 1994...

Rangers 2, Maple Leafs 1, SO

The New York Rangers (39-19-2) defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs (28-20-12)  by the score of 2-1 in a shootout. For a box score, click here.

3 Stars

1st Star - The 3-on-3 OT format (It's taken me awhile to come around, but tonight clinched it. I'm officially on board)
2nd Star - The future of the NHL (The amount of good, young talent in tonight's game alone should have Bettman smiling from ear to ear)
3rd Star - Zuccarello in the shootout (Damn he's smooth)

Post Game Cocktail Recommendation

The only way to calm my nerves after that intense overtime session is with some Ketamine aka Horse Tranquilizer.

Rangers @ Maple Leafs (Game 60) - Open Thread

The New York Rangers (38-19-2) visit the Toronto Maple Leafs (28-20-11) tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Lineup News

AV confirms @HLundqvist30 will be in net for #NYR tonight against Toronto. @pirri91 back in the lineup. Buchnevich comes out.

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 23, 2017

Memory Lane

When hockey was hockey...

Candiens 3, Rangers 2, SO

The New York Rangers (38-19-2) lost to the Montreal Canadiens (32-20-8)  by the score of 3-2 in a shootout. For a box score, click here.

3 Stars

1st Star - The Fans (For getting the opportunity to witness a goaltending duel of that caliber.)
2nd Star - The Rangers Heritage Jersey (Love seeing them in that jersey against another Original Six)
3rd Star - Shea Weber (For not killing Lundqvist with that rocket of a shot)

Post Game Cocktail Recommendation

Got to recognize last night's old fashion goaltending duel with, duh, an Old Fashioned.

Rangers vs. Canadiens (Game 59) - Open Thread

The New York Rangers (38-19-1) host the Montreal Canadiens (31-20-8) tonight at 7:00 p.m.

Lineup News

AV says @DerekStepan21 will play tonight vs Montreal. #NYR lineup same as Sunday.

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 21, 2017

Memory Lane

Rangers on their way to the 2014 Stanley Cup Final...

Rangers 2, Capitals 1

The New York Rangers (38-19-1) defeated the Washington Capitals (39-12-7) by the score of 2-1. For a box score, click here.

3 Stars

1st Star - The weather in New York yesterday (65 degrees in February!)
2nd Star - The photographer who caught this pic:

3rd Star - Whichever GM eventually pushes the hardest to get the offsides replay out of the NHL.

Post Game Cocktail Recommendation

In honor of the Rangers announcing that they will finally be retiring Jean Ratelle's #19 next year, I give you the Quebec.

Rangers vs. Capitals (Game 58) - Open Thread

The New York Rangers (37-19-1) host the Washington Capitals (39-11-7) today at 12:30 p.m.

Lineup News

Islanders 4, Rangers 2

The New York Rangers (37-19-1) lost to the New York Islanders (26-20-10) by the score of 4-2. For a box score, click here.

3 Stars

1st Star - Thomas Greiss (The Isles goalie somehow avoided a concussion despite his own team continuing to hit Rangers players into him)
2nd Star - Barclays Center (It was actually full for an Islanders game!)
3rd Star -  Kevin Klein (Not a single turnover tonight)

Post Game Cocktail Recommendation

Let's join all the Brooklyn Hipsters celebrating their big win over the rival Rangers with a Pabst Blue Ribbon Tall Boy.

Rangers @ Islanders (Game 57) - Open Thread

The New York Rangers (37-18-1) visit the New York Islanders (25-20-10) tonight at 7:00 p.m.

Line-up News

Puempel will take Buchnevich's spot with Lindberg and Fast Thursday. AV said Buchnevich had a "so-so" game in Columbus. #NYR

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 15, 2017

Memory Lane

I can't watch this enough. Sadly, we're likely never to see this level of hijinks during a Rangers/Islanders game again.

Defending the Rangers Defense

During the first 44 games of the season, the Rangers defense played as expected. And that's not a good thing.

They were porous, chaotic and the sole reason for the Rangers uneven play.

If you looked the Rangers defense up in the dictionary, this is what you would have seen...

The numbers backed up the eye test as on January 15th the Rangers were allowing a cringeworthy 9.17 5-on-5 scoring chances per 60 minutes which was 25th in the league. This led to a 2.51 5-on-5 goals against per 60 minutes which was 22nd in the NHL. In other words, they weren't good.

Rangers 3, Blue Jackets 2

The New York Rangers (37-18-1) defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets (35-15-5) by the score of 3-2. For a box score, click here.

3 Stars

1st Star - Benoit Allaire (After a month of inactivity, Raanta was on his game & I have a feeling Allaire was a big reason.)
2nd Star - Chicago Blackhawks (For not being able to sign Kevin Hayes to a rookie contract)
3rd Star - Nashville Predators (For not being able to sign Jimmy Vesey to a rookie contract)

Post Game Cocktail Recommendation

With Boston boy Jimmy Vesey scoring the ridiculous game winner, I've got to go with my personal favorite, Sam Adams Boston Lager.

Rangers @ Blue Jackets (Game 56) - Open Thread

The New York Rangers (36-18-1) visit the Columbus Blue Jackets (35-14-5) tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Line-up News

Won't see NYR lines this a.m., but AV in prax didn't touch Hayes line (no fool) & took look at 20-21-36, 89-93-61, 26-24-19, our spies say

— Steve Zipay (@stevezipay) February 13, 2017

Thinking Antti Raanta will get start tonight, but not official...

— Steve Zipay (@stevezipay) February 13, 2017

Memory Lane

Rick Nash's defining moment as a Ranger...

Rangers 4, Avalanche 2

The New York Rangers (36-18-1) defeated the Colorado Avalanche (15-35-2) by the score of 4-2. For a box score, click here.

3 Stars

1st Star - Lundqvist's parents (For having sex at precisely the right time)
2nd Star - Rangers European scout Crister Rockstrom (For discovering Lundqvist and pushing for him during the 2000 draft)
3rd Star - Kevin Weekes (For getting injured and opening the door for a rookie named Henrik during the 2005-06 season)

Post Game Cocktail Recommendation

In honor of Lundqvist becoming the 12th goaltender in NHL history to achieve 400 victories as well as the quickest to reach that milestone, I give you The King's Cup.

Rangers vs. Avalanche (Game 55) - Open Thread

The New York Rangers (35-18-1) host the Colorado Avalanche (15-34-2) tonight at 7:00 p.m.

Line-up News

Lundqvist in net tomorrow vs Colorado, Rangers hope to help him get 400th win, 11th all-time. More TK

— Steve Zipay (@stevezipay) February 10, 2017

AV: Injured Girardi skated "about 100 feet" today, so out on Saturday, Clendening in....

— Steve Zipay (@stevezipay) February 10, 2017

Memory Lane

Marian Gaborik's first hat trick at a Ranger.

Rangers 4, Predators 3

The New York Rangers (35-18-1) defeated the Nashville Predators (26-20-8) by the score of 4-3. For a box score, click here.

3 Stars

1st Star - Home ice advantage (The allure of MSG is back, baby!)
2nd Star - Sean Avery (For not pulling a Charles Oakley at MSG tonight)
3rd Star - Glen Sather (For keeping Dolan from doing to the Rangers what he's done to the Knicks)

Post Game Cocktail Recommendation

For all the Northeast Rangers fans who had to dig out of the blizzard today, I give you a Damn the Weather. 

Rangers vs. Predators (Game 54) - Open Thread

The New York Rangers (34-18-1) host the Nashville Predators (26-19-8) tonight at 7:00 p.m.

Lineup Changes

AV confirms Lundqvist in vs Preds, Clendening in for Girardi, who's ankle is stitched and swollen and considered day-to-day

— Steve Zipay (@stevezipay) February 9, 2017

Memory Lane

Erik Christensen scores the only goal in the shootout as the Rangers defeat the Predators 2-1 on November 11, 2010. FYI, there is a Frolov sighting in the video.

Rangers 4, Ducks 1

The New York Rangers (34-18-1) defeated the Anaheim Ducks (28-17-10) by the score of 4-1. For a box score, click here.

3 Stars

1st Star - Lundqvist's glove & blocker
2nd Star - Lundqvist's pads
3rd Star - Lundqvist's goal stick

Post Game Cocktail Recommendation

With the Rangers sacrificing themselves for the greater good all night to the tune of 23 blocked shots, I've got to go with the Kamikaze. BTW, was Torts behind the bench tonight?

Rangers 4, Flames 3

The New York Rangers (33-18-1) defeated the Calgary Flames (27-25-3) by the score of 4-3. For a box score, click here.

3 Stars

1st Star - Tums
2nd Star - Aspirin
3rd Star - Bacon, egg and cheese on a roll with ketchup

(My three essentials to survive a rough morning after the Super Bowl)

Post Game Cocktail Recommendation

There's really only one drink you can have after beating the Calgary Flames, a Flaming Dr. Pepper of course.

Rangers Should Take a Chance on Iginla

Last week, I made my argument for the Rangers to acquire a grinding presence up front at the trade deadline.

A couple of players who fit the criteria include Troy Brouwer, Martin Hanzal, Antoine Roussel and finally, my personal favorite, Jarome Iginla, who's apparently asking out of Colorado...

“I would like to, at the deadline, go somewhere,” Iginla said in an interview with Puck Daddy. “I would like to be in the playoffs. I would hope that there is some opportunity to go and play in the playoffs. Those are the best games, the most fun for sure, and you have a chance to win. So no, I haven’t given up on that chance to win.”

Yes, I know he's pushing 40 (39 years old to be exact) and has scored a grand total of SIX goals this season, but hear me out.

Rangers 2, Sabres 1, OT

The New York Rangers (32-18-1) defeated the Buffalo Sabres (20-20-10) by the score of 2-1 in overtime. For a box score, click here.

3 Stars

1st Star - Magnus Hellberg (Lundqvist is 4-1 with a 1.38 GAA, .952 SV% and 1 SO in the last five games with Hellberg as his backup)
2nd Star - That 3-on-3 overtime (I'm usually not a fan, but man that was fun tonight)
3rd Star - This tweet I sent out earlier today...

Apparently, AV saw his shadow this morning. I guess that means six more weeks of Girardi in the top defensive pair.

— Kevin DeLury (@kevindelury) February 2, 2017

Post Game Cocktail Recommendation

With the game winner coming on a Kreider goal setup by fellow American Miller, I've got to go with the Americano.

Blue Jackets 6, Rangers 4

The New York Rangers (31-18-1) lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets (33-12-4) by the score of 6-4. For a box score, click here.

3 Stars

1st Star - AV's contract extension (I'm sure tonight was exactly how he wanted to celebrate it)
2nd Star - Lundqvist's vacation extension (I guess six days wasn't enough, so AV granted him some additional time off tonight)
3rd Star - Tortorella's 3rd period shell defense (without his typical 3rd period defense with a lead, the Rangers are probably shutout)

Post Game Cocktail Recommendation

Since Lundqvist was apparently still on vacation, I guess we'll go with a Piña Colada.